Sox Sign Former McQueen High Standout

Published on June 27, 2006 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Reno Silver Sox News Release


Reno, NV- The Reno Silver Sox, proud members of the Golden League, announced today that they have signed OF Richard Giannotti and former McQueen High standout James Johnson. To make room for the new additions, the Silver Sox placed RHP Jared Bonnell on the Disabled List and announced the retirement of OF Hector Zamora.

Giannotti, originally a 38th round pick of the Angels in 2004, began the season in Quad Cities, Anaheim's High-A affiliate before receiving his release seven games into the season. The switch-hitting outfielder impressed with his speed in his rookie campaign for Provo, swiping 21 bases (good for third in the Pioneer League) and legging out four triples (fourth in the circuit). The 6'3, 180 Giannotti swiped 17 bags in his sophomore season with Cedar Rapids after earning a promotion in 2005.

"Giannotti's speed will replace some of what we lost at the top of the lineup when we sold Victor Hall to the Yankees," said Silver Sox manager Les Lancaster.

Johnson, a right-handed pitcher from Pepperdine University, is categorized as a "control pitcher who changes speeds well." In 2005, Johnson appeared in 19 games for the Waves, with two starts, and recorded a 2.88 ERA while opponents hit just .224 off him. Johnson was named the High Desert League's "Pitcher of the Year," as a senior at McQueen High School in Reno.

The Sox placed Bonnell on the disabled list retroactive to June 23 to make room for Giannotti's signing. The Silver Sox also announced that OF Hector Zamora has decided to retire. Zamora had been on the disabled list with a leg injury.

The Reno Silver Sox are back at Peccole Park on Friday, June 30 at 6:35 to begin a seven game home stand, where they will host the Fullerton Flyers and the San Diego Surf Dawgs. The game on the 30th will be the second of three Winner's Corner Ball Nights, where the first 1,500 fans through the gate will receive a free baseball featuring the heroes of the San Francisco Giants. The home stand will also be highlighted by fireworks on July 3, sponsored by Pacific West Builders, in celebration of America's Birthday. Tickets to the games are available by calling the Silver Sox box office at (775) 348-7769 or by going to www.silversoxbaseball.com.

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